Pixiewoo

DD had this ( she was a bit older .. about 12 I think ) and we went to see an osteopath. She said it was very normal to have legs of slightly different lengths/ wonky hips etc, (which can ache when trying to compensate for it) but for the vast majority of people it isn't an issue. It can also occur as children grow. The Osteo did a little bit of the magic manipulation they do and things were alot better. I think DD saw her a couple of times for this, and it doesn't seem to have been an issue since.

If you can't afford it, then you can't afford it. I know there is funding and bursaries etc, but if you can't afford it, that answers your question. DD is looking at post 18 courses and we've told her she can only apply to those that take the student finance grant and don't ask for another few thousand a year in additional fees ( and yes, I know we'll need to pay for accommodation etc ) In the nicest way, dance teachers don't always live in the real world! I know it's really hard and the guilt you feel for not being able to give your child what they want is great, but sometimes we just can't. Can you do an associates class or add some additional training?

Yes, head upside down to get the high pony!

Welcome. DD has super long hair too! She now does the bun at the bottom of her head/top of neck, but when she was learning, it was easier on top as she could see what to do! ( also, plenty of bashing it with back of hairbrush to flatten it out! )

My perfectionist DD learnt to do hers to her satisfaction by just doing it again and again until she was happy! It wasn't quick, but she got there! Pony tail on top of head, then twisting it round on itself so it's like a rope, then round and round the bobble, and tucking the end under bobble. Pop a bun net over and pin. Good luck!

Hotography in York is fantastic ; both studio and location shoots. We've just had photos taken at a comp by Helen Rose Photography ( Think she's based in South Cumbria )

Can you wear a nude bra, with a nude 'power mesh' top added to the ( inside of the ) tutu? My DD has a costume that looks as if it is split to her navel, but in reality, it has a high neck from power mesh, that comes all the way down inside the costume, and is sewn to the costume. Is isn't really noticeable from the audience.

How lovely, she'll have a wonderful time. ( and yes, it is hard to leave them when they and you know no-one! ) Usually you get a list of required dance wear etc to take, and DD always took some joggers and tops as well as some jeans/'casual' clothes. We found that taking some biscuits or something to share when arriving/ first night helped everyone to get together. DD often took some face masks/pamper stuff as the girls in the dorm sometimes did a pamper evening. Usually though lots of activities were arranged. ( DD hasn't done this one though! ) Maybe a book to read/notepad, the boys always seemed to have a ball to kick around! DD is permanently hungry, so she'd always pack a substantial amount of snacks! Even though there is usually plenty of food and snacks available!

DD tends to wear the 60 denier convertible ballet tights or black footless tights from Silky.

DD has had some amazing experiences and encountered some exceptional teaching via zoom with small or one to one classes, and lots of support and correction. However, this wouldn't have been possible without her already having had many years in a face to face studio, and knowing what she should be doing. As extras, and 'top ups' it was phenomenal. She still occasionally does a zoom class with one of her favourite dancers, sometimes at a random time, as this dancer is travelling and offering classes here and there. (DD also attended some other zoom classes that were a waste of time and money) I think if the RBS are going to offer this, then maybe as a 'taster' it would work, but regular class really does need to be face to face.

Our local primary schools have dance as one of the 'modules' of PE in various years. Our dance teachers are paid to go in for a set number of sessions to teach this module. But I can't see the schools signing up to RBS.

DD either uses some hideously expensive shampoo and conditioner or, we really liked the banana shampoo/conditioner from bodyshop ... then we found similar in poundland!

DD is older, but we only use gel/hairspray for exams/ performances etc. She also has thick, long hair. She finds that dirty hair stays neater in buns etc! You can get bobbles that are made of stretchy fabric rather than elastic, and these are much kinder on the hair. I think we got the last lot in either primark or claires accessories.

Both my children were sent a NI number through the post just before they turned 16. You used to be sent a little plastic card to keep, but now it is just a piece of paper! I can't help on the 'A1' form though, sorry. Good luck

Probably, but DD said that they asked what dance experience they all had on the first morning, and at least half were at a high level/ dancing several nights/days a week. It was what it was, but she was a bit disappointed.

DD did the Tring Musical Theatre Summer School a few years back, and their theatre trip was to see a musical in Birmingham, (i think) that an ex Tring student was in. DD enjoyed the course, but wasn't overly impressed with the dance teaching, as she felt they were arranged in age groups, rather than ability, and no one was that bothered if they could actually dance or not. She had fun, but wasn't sure if she actually learnt anything much!

All I wanted to do was give her a hug. I just felt so sad for those girls.

I just did a quick google for '15mm ballet shoe ribbon' and lots came up on ebay, and dance shops. The other place to look is a haberdashery/fabric shop. Good luck x

We pay a 'show fee' that ranges from £15 to £30 depending upon how many classes you do, and that includes a show tshirt. This also covers fees for hall hire for extra rehearsals. ( they have a few 'all day' rehearsals ) Costumes we either source ourselves ( ie ... something suitable for scene from Annie etc ) or dance school provide, and we pay £4 ( ??? ish ) per costume to hire. We are expected to provide our own tights/shoes/makeup etc. Tickets cost around £7/10. Programmes are extra. and despite fundraising throughout the year, the dance school usually makes a small loss.

Totally off topic, but my DD frequently bewails the lack of 'plain walls and proper lighting' in our house 😆 totally useless for any photo ever apparently!

Happy Birthday! I'm so glad this forum exists, it has been a life saver!

Congratulations to you all, and Pups_mum, how lovely.

Brilliant! Thank you! That's 3 of DDs favourites covered immediately! And none of the others (that are diplomas) are on the list!

Are there many colleges that offer degree courses, that don't require 'top ups' for fees? ( not including accommodation/etc ) And for which students are eligible for student loans? ( like they would for a more usual uni course?)

We've just started looking for Sept 23. We're only going to be looking at courses that accept the uni funding and DD would rather do a degree MT course. I've got DD compiling lists/grids with colleges, courses, audition info etc but it's taking a while! I'll have hundreds of questions! But my first is .... if DD is offered a place, would it/is it possible to defer for a year?